Stock Market & Financial Investment News

Airbus to start building upgraded A320s at Mobile plant, WSJ reportsAirbus (EADSY) is planning to start building its upgraded A320 at the Mobile, Alabama plant once production methods are proven at its Hamburg facility in Germany, the Wall Street Journal reports. Allan McArtor, the company's North American unit chairman, says the U.S. facility will deliver the first current generation A320 to JetBlue (JBLU) in 2016, and will eventually build four jets per month. Reference Link

Airbus targets EPS to increase further in FY15As the basis for its FY15 guidance, Airbus Group expects the world economy and air traffic to grow in line with prevailing independent forecasts and assumes no major disruptions. Airbus deliveries should be slightly higher than in 2014, and the commercial aircraft order book is again expected to grow. In 2015, before mergers & acquisitions, Airbus Group expects an increase in revenues and targets a slight increase in EBIT before one-off. Based on its current view of the industrial ramp-up, Airbus Group targets breakeven free cash flow in 2015 before M&A. Airbus Group targets its EPS and dividend per share to increase further in 2015.

American Express confirms end of partnership with JetBlueAmerican Express (AXP) confirmed in a regulatory filing that the company was unable to reach terms to renew its cobrand relationship with JetBlue (JBLU) recently. The Fly notes that Bloomberg first reported on February 13 that JetBlue was ending its agreement with American Express.

Airbus told suppliers to prepare for increase in A320 production, Reuters saysAirbus (EADSY) has told suppliers that it is considering increasing the number of A320 jets it produces to 50 per month as early as 2017, according to Reuters. The company, which is looking to make 48 A320 jets per month by the second quarter of 2016, currently manufactures 42 of the jets per month and had previously planned to produce 46 of them monthly by the second quarter of 2016, the news service noted. Boeing (BA) competes with Airbus in international commercial plane markets. Reference Link

Buckeye Partners reduces FY14 revenue by $40M due to settlement discussionsBuckeye Partners (BPL) announced revisions to its financial results for Q4 and FY14 due to a recent development. As has been previously disclosed, commencing in September 2012, Delta Air Lines (DAL), JetBlue (JBLU), United/Continental Air Lines (UAL), US Airways, and American Airlines (AAL) filed complaints with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission challenging rates for transportation of jet fuel from New Jersey to three New York City area airports charged by Buckeye Pipe Line Company, an operating subsidiary of Buckeye. The Airlines are seeking payments for alleged past excessive charges and prospective tariff rate reductions. As the litigation has progressed, BPLC and the Airlines have continued to pursue settlement discussions. Due to positive developments in those settlement discussions subsequent to Buckeye's issuance of its 2014 earnings on Friday, February 6, Buckeye has recorded a reduction in revenue in the amount of $40M for the year ended December 31, 2014 in accordance with applicable accounting guidance regarding contingencies. This reduction in revenue is a one-time charge; therefore, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow for 2014 remain as reported on February 6th. The $40M is based upon a settlement offer made by BPLC to satisfy the claims for alleged past excessive charges through December 31, 2014, which offer has not been accepted by the Airlines. "While we continue to pursue settlement of this matter, we are not able to predict with certainty the final outcome of the proceeding, should it be carried through to its conclusion, or whether we can reach a satisfactory settlement and, if so, whether or not it will be on more or less favorable terms," the company said.